Methods of Genotyping Livestock

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to methods of genotyping for selecting an animal with a desired trait such as the level monounsaturated fats in muscle tissue, the types and/or ratio of different monounsaturated fats in muscle tissue, marbling, carcass weight, meat quality, speed of finishing, feedlot efficiency and/or consumer preference. In particular the invention relates to methods of selecting an animal with a desired trait by analysing the M-RIP, NT5M and/or TCAP genes for one or more polymorphisms.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/496,607, filed on Aug. 20, 2012, which is a U.S. nationalphase patent application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International PatentApplication No. PCT/AU2010/001214 entitled “Methods of GenotypingLivestock” filed Sep. 17, 2010, which claims benefit of priority ofAustralian Patent Application No. 2009904511 filed on Sep. 17, 2009.Each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods of genotyping for selecting ananimal with a desired trait such as the level of monounsaturated fats inmuscle tissue, the types and/or ratio of different monounsaturated fatsin muscle tissue, marbling, carcass weight, meat quality, speed offinishing, feedlot efficiency and/or consumer preference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has been claimed that DNA testing can provide an indication ofalleles associated with thyroglobulin gene polymorphism. However,Rincker et al. (2006) found the GeneSTAR marbling marker was notassociated with intramuscular fat deposition in early weaned steers feda high-concentrate diet and the thyroglobulin gene was not associatedwith other carcass, performance parameters, or marbling expected progenydifference. Similarly, Van Eenennaam et al. (2007) could not validatethe utility of the markers.

By contrast, US 2008/0010696 shows that SCD SREB has relevance inmarbling in Japanese cattle but not others. SREBP is a transcriptionfactor which regulates gene expression levels of stearoyl-CoA desaturase(SCDl) and other genes relevant to lipid and fatty acid metabolism intissue (Hoashi et al., 2007). The content of unsaturated fatty acid inbeef is an important factor in taste and texture (Hoashi et al., 2007;EP 1845159) and the degree of marbling. A recent study revealed that thehigh SCD activities were positively correlated with beef marbling score,amount of monounsaturated fatty acid and conjugated linoleic acid, butnegatively correlated with the amount of saturated fatty acid (Jiang etal., 2008).

U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,231 shows that bovine growth hormone (GH Exon 5) hasan important role with the B & C alleles contributing to marbling, againthis effect is confined to Japanese cattle. U.S. Pat. No. 7,238,479shows that genetic testing for alleles of the gene encoding calciumactivated neutral protease effecting meat tenderness in bovines isuseful in selective breeding. US 2004/0261138 shows that genetic markersin the porcine melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene are associated withmeat quality.

However, there is a need for further methods of genetic analysis foridentifying livestock with desirable traits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have identified new polymorphic regions linked todesired traits.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of selecting ananimal with a desired trait, the method comprising

-   -   i) analysing the M-RIP, NTSM and/or TCAP genes of the animal for        one or more polymorphisms associated with the desired trait, and    -   ii) selecting an animal with one or more polymorphisms        associated with the desired trait.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more polymorphisms, morepreferably a combination of polymorphisms, are characteristic of ahaplotype associated with the desired trait.

In a further embodiment, step i) further comprises analysing the SREBP1and/or GH genes, preferably at least the SREBP1 gene, of the animal forone or more polymorphisms associated with the desired trait.

In a preferred embodiment, the M-RIP gene is analysed by

a) amplifying a region of the gene using an oligonucleotide primercomprising the sequence 5′-AGG GGT GCT GAG TCT ACA GG-3′ (SEQ ID NO:1)and an oligonucleotide comprising the sequence 5′-CTC CAG GAG GCA GGAGAA G-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2), or a variant of one or both primers which can beused to amplify the same region of the genome, and

b) analysing the amplification products for the one or morepolymorphisms. In an embodiment, the M-RIP gene is analysed for anallele designated 10, 30, 40 or 60 as defined herein.

In another preferred embodiment, the NT5M gene is analysed by

a) amplifying a region of the gene using an oligonucleotide primercomprising the sequence 5′-GGA AGG CCA GTT ACA TGG CA-3′ (SEQ ID NO:3)and an oligonucleotide primer comprising the sequence 5′-CAC AAC CAA GGCCAA AAT CGC A-3′ (SEQ ID NO:4), or a variant of one or both primerswhich can be used to amplify the same region of the genome, and

b) analysing the amplification products for the one or morepolymorphisms.

In an embodiment, the NT5M gene is analysed for an allele designated 10,20 or 22 as defined herein.

In a further preferred embodiment, the TCAP gene is analysed by

a) amplifying a region of the gene using an oligonucleotide primercomprising the sequence 5′-AGT ACC AGC TGC CCT ACC A-3′ (SEQ ID NO:5)and an oligonucleotide primer comprising the sequence 5′-CTG AGA CAT GGAGCG AGC CA-3′ (SEQ ID NO:6), or a variant of one or both primers whichcan be used to amplify the same region of the genome, and

b) analysing the amplification products for the one or morepolymorphisms. In an embodiment, the TCAP gene is analysed for an alleledesignated 10 or 20 as defined herein.

In another preferred embodiment, the SREBP1 gene is analysed by

a) amplifying a region of the gene using an oligonucleotide primercomprising the sequence 5′-CCA CAA CGC CAT CGA GAA ACG CTA C-3′ (SEQ IDNO:7) and an oligonucleotide primer comprising the sequence 5′-GGC CTTCCC TGA CCA CCC AAC TTA G-3′ (SEQ ID NO:8), or a variant of one or bothprimers which can be used to amplify the same region of the genome, and

b) analysing the amplification products for the one or morepolymorphisms.

In an embodiment, the SREBP1 gene is analysed for an allele designated Sor L as defined herein and US 2008/0010696.

In an embodiment, the SREBP1 gene is analysed for an allele designated Sor L as defined herein and US 2008/0010696.

In yet a further preferred embodiment, the GH gene is analysed by

a) amplifying a region of the gene using

-   -   1) an oligonucleotide primer comprising the sequence 5′-TCT ATG        AGA AGC TGA AGG ACC TGG AGG AA-3′ (SEQ ID NO:9) or a variant        thereof which 20 can be used to amplify the same region of the        genome, and    -   2) an oligonucleotide primer comprising the sequence 5′-CGG GGG        GTG CCA TCT TCC AG-3′ (SEQ ID NO:10) or an oligonucleotide        primer comprising the sequence 5′-CGG GGG GTG CCA TCT TCC AC-3′        (SEQ ID NO:11) or a variant of one or both primers which can be        used to amplify the same region of the genome, and    -   3) an oligonucleotide primer comprising the sequence 5′-ATG ACC        CTC TGG TAC GTC TCC G-3′ (SEQ ID NO:12) or an oligonucleotide        primer comprising the sequence 5′-CAT GAC CCT CTG GTA CGT CTC        CA-3′ (SEQ ID NO:13) or a variant of one or both primers which        can be used to amplify the same region of the genome, and

b) analysing the amplification products for the one or morepolymorphisms.

In an embodiment, the GH gene is analysed for an allele designated A, B,C or D as defined herein and U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,231.

In an embodiment, at least the M-RIP gene is analysed, more preferablyat least the M-RIP and NT5M genes, at least the M-RIP and TCAP genes, atleast the M-RIP, NT5M and TCAP genes, at least the SREBP1, M-RIP, NT5Mand TCAP genes, at least the M-RIP, NT5M,

TCAP and GH genes, or at least the SREBP1, M-RIP, NT5M, TCAP and GHgenes. In alternate embodiments, at least the TCAP and GH genes, or atleast the SREBP1 and NT5M genes, are analysed.

In an embodiment, the trait is the level of monounsaturated fats inmuscle tissue, the types and/or ratio of different monounsaturated fatsin muscle tissue, marbling, carcass weight, meat quality, speed offinishing, feedlot efficiency and/or consumer preference. In anembodiment, the meat quality trait is eye muscle area and/or tenderness.

Preferably, the animal is a livestock animal. More preferably, thelivestock animal is a sheep, cow, pig, goat or horse. Even morepreferably, the livestock animal is a cow.

In an embodiment, the cow is a Wagyu, the meat quality trait is eyemuscle area (EMA) and the haplotypes (NTSM-MRIP-TCAP-GH) 22-40-20 B/C,10-30-20 A, and 10-40-20-B/C, more preferably 22-40-20 B/C, arepositively associated with higher EMA when compared to otherNT5M-MRIP-TCAP-GH haplotypes. Furthermore, the haplotypes 20-30-20-A,20-40-20-A and 22 40-10-B/C, more preferably 20-30-20-A and 20-40-20-A,are negatively associated with higher EMA when compared to otherNT5M-MRIP-TCAP-GH haplotypes.

In a further embodiment, the cow is a Wagyu, the trait is carcassweight, and the haplotypes (TCAP-GH) 20-C, 10-C and 10-B, morepreferably 20-C, are positively associated with higher carcass weightwhen compared to other TCAP-GH haplotypes.

In yet another embodiment, the cow is a Wagyu, the trait is marbling,and the haplotypes (MRIP-TCAP-GH) 30-10-B and 40-20-A are positivelyassociated with higher marbling when compared to other MRIP-TCAP-GHhaplotypes. Furthermore, the haplotypes 40-10-B, 40-10-A and 30-10-C arenegatively associated with higher marbling when compared to otherMRIP-TCAP-GH haplotypes.

In an embodiment, the 40.1 and 30.1 haplotypes of Table 2 are associatedwith the desired trait in cattle, preferably Wagyu, Simmental and/orAngus cattle.

In an embodiment, step i) is performed on a sample which comprises DNAthat has been obtained from the animal.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of breedingan animal with a desired trait, the method comprising selecting a firstanimal using a method of the invention, and crossing the first animalwith a second animal of the same species but opposite sex.

In an embodiment, the second animal is also selected using a method ofthe invention.

In an embodiment of the above aspect, the sample is an egg, semen or anembryo. In relation to this embodiment, selection of an embryo can beused to accelerate the expansion or rare genotypes. Recovered embryo'scan be stored, and preferred embryo's placed into a third partyrecipient animal such as a cow. The embryo's can also be split to speedup production of animals with the desired genotype.

In a further embodiment, the method comprises selecting a progeny of thecross for the desired trait using the method of the invention.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of genotypingan animal, the method comprising analysing the M-RIP, NT5M and/or TCAPgenes of the animal for one or more polymorphisms.

This aspect of the invention can be used for a variety of purposes suchas paternity testing, exclusion testing and breed composition testing.

With regard to the use of the above aspect for paternity testing,preferably the method comprises

i) genotyping an animal by analysing the M-RIP, NT5M and/or TCAP genesof the animal for one or more polymorphisms,

ii) determining the genotype of the candidate father and/or mother ofthe animal by analysing the M-RIP, NT5M and/or TCAP genes for the one ormore polymorphisms, and

iii) comparing the genotypes from steps i) and ii) to determine theprobability that the candidate father and/or mother is the parent of theanimal.

As the skilled person would appreciate, steps i) and ii) can beperformed in any order.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises analysing the SREBP1and/or GH genes of the animal for one or more polymorphisms.

Preferably, the one or more polymorphisms, more preferably a combinationof polymorphisms, are characteristic of a haplotype.

In yet a further aspect, the present invention provides anoligonucleotide primer for use in amplifying a polymorphic region of theM-RIP, NT5M and/or TCAP genes of an animal.

In an embodiment, the primer is selected from:

a) an oligonucleotide comprising a sequence selected from:

5′-AGG GGT GCT GAG TCT ACA GG-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 1)5′-CTC CAG GAG GCA GGA GAA G-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 2)5′-GGA AGG CCA GTT ACA TGG CA-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 3)5′-CAC AAC CAA GGC CAA AAT CGC A-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 4)5′-AGT ACC AGC TGC CCT ACC A-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 5) and5′-CTG AGA CAT GGA GCG AGC CA-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 6)

b) an oligonucleotide comprising a sequence which is the reversecomplement of any oligonucleotide provided in a), and

c) a variant of a) or b) which can be used to amplify the same region ofthe animal genome as any one of the oligonucleotides of a) or b).

Also provided is a composition comprising an oligonucleotide of theinvention and an acceptable carrier.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising anoligonucleotide of the invention.

As will be apparent, preferred features and characteristics of oneaspect of the invention are applicable to many other aspects of theinvention.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as“comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers orsteps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, orgroup of elements, integers or steps.

The invention is hereinafter described by way of the followingnon-limiting Examples and with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 provide schematic representations of polymorphic markerson chromosome 19 used to define the 14 Mb haplotypes in cattle, withFIG. 1 providing a summary of the alleles analysed.

FIG. 3 shows the stable inheritance of the haplotypes of the inventionin three different families of cattle.

FIG. 4 shows the amplification products of the M-RIP gene using theprimers provided in Table 1.

FIG. 5 shows SREBP1 to GH haplotype frequencies in different breeds(Simm=Simmental, AA=Angus).

FIG. 6 shows the correlation between TCAP-GH haplotypes and hot deadcarcass weight.

FIG. 7 shows the correlation between SREBP1 to GH haplotype frequenciesand eye muscle area.

FIG. 8 shows the correlation between MRIP to GH haplotypes and marbling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION General Techniques and Definitions

Unless specifically defined otherwise, all technical and scientificterms used herein shall be taken to have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., in cell culture,molecular genetics, animal breeding, protein chemistry, andbiochemistry).

Unless otherwise indicated, the recombinant protein, cell culture, andimmunological techniques utilized in the present invention are standardprocedures, well known to those skilled in the art. Such techniques aredescribed and explained throughout the literature in sources such as, J.Perbal, A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning, John Wiley and Sons(1984), J. Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, ColdSpring Harbour Laboratory Press (1989), T. A. Brown (editor), EssentialMolecular Biology: A Practical Approach, Volumes 1 and 2, IRL Press(1991), D. M. Glover and B. D. Hames (editors), DNA Cloning: A PracticalApproach, Volumes 1-4, IRL Press (1995 and 1996), and F. M. Ausubel etal. (editors), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Pub.Associates and Wiley-Interscience (1988, including all updates untilpresent), Ed Harlow and David Lane (editors) Antibodies: A LaboratoryManual, Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory, (1988), and J. E. Coligan et al.(editors) Current Protocols in Immunology, John Wiley & Sons (includingall updates until present).

A “haplotype” is the particular combination of alleles (sometimesidentified by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) on one chromosomeor a part of a chromosome. Haplotypes can be exploited for the finemapping of traits.

Some polymorphisms may be in linkage disequilibrium and are inherited inblocks. A “haplotype block” (also known in the art as a “frozen block”)is thus a discrete chromosome region of high linkage disequilibrium (LD)and low haplotype diversity. It is expected that all pairs ofpolymorphisms within a block will be in strong linkage disequilibrium,whereas other pairs will show much weaker association. Blocks arehypothesized to be regions of low recombination flanked by recombinationhotspots. Blocks may contain a large number of polymorphisms, but a fewpolymorphisms are enough to uniquely identify the haplotypes in a block.

An “ancestral haplotype” is passed from generation to generation justlike familial haplotype blocks but is found at higher than expectedfrequencies in the population at large between animals not closelyrelated, namely all arising from some distant ancestor. Generally, thephrases “haplotype” and “ancestral haplotype” are used hereininterchangeably.

As used herein, the term “the one or more polymorphisms arecharacteristic of a haplotype” means that presence of thepolymorphism(s), typically numerous polymorphisms, is a marker of aspecific haplotype.

The term “polymorphism” refers to the coexistence of more than one formof a locus of interest. A region of the genome of which there are atleast two different forms, i.e., two different nucleotide sequences, isreferred to as a “polymorphic region” or “polymorphic locus”. Apolymorphic locus can be a single nucleotide, the identity of whichdiffers in the other alleles. A polymorphic locus can also be more thanone nucleotide long and/or can be a varying length due to insertions ordeletions (such as of the number of repeats) at a given locus. Theallelic form occurring most frequently in a selected population is oftenreferred to as the reference and/or wild-type form. Other allelic formsare typically designated or alternative or variant alleles.

Diploid organisms may be homozygous or heterozygous for allelic forms. Adiallelic or biallelic polymorphism has two forms. A trialleleicpolymorphism has three forms.

The term “single nucleotide polymorphism” (SNP) refers to a polymorphicsite occupied by a single nucleotide, which is the site of variationbetween allelic sequences. The site is usually preceded by and followedby highly conserved sequences of the allele (e.g., sequences that varyin less than 1/100 or 1/1000 members of a population). SNP usuallyarises due to substitution of one nucleotide for another at thepolymorphic site. Typically the polymorphic site is occupied by a baseother than the reference base. For example, where the reference allelecontains the base “T” (thymidine) at the polymorphic site, the alteredallele can contain a “C” (cytidine), “G” (guanine), or “A” (adenine) atthe polymorphic site.

The terms “linkage”, “linked” or variations thereof describe thetendency of genes, alleles, loci or genetic markers to be inheritedtogether as a result of their location on the same chromosome. It can bemeasured by percent recombination between the two genes, alleles, loci,or genetic markers. The term “linkage disequilibrium” refers to agreater than random association between specific alleles at two markerloci within a particular population. In general, linkage disequilibriumdecreases with an increase in physical distance. If linkagedisequilibrium exists between two markers within one gene or block, thenthe genotypic information at one marker can be used to makeprobabilistic predictions about the genotype of the second marker.

As used herein, the term “analyse” or variations thereof refers todetermining the sequence, either directly (for example by actualsequencing) or indirectly (for example by the analysis of differentfragment lengths following amplification and/or restriction enzymecleavage), of polymorphic loci of the genes defined herein, particularlythe specific alleles which have been disclosed (see, for example, FIGS.1 and 2). Typically, a method of the invention will be conducted byanalysing a sample obtained from the animal.

The “sample” refers to a material which comprises the animals genomicDNA, or RNA encoding a gene of interest. The sample can be used asobtained directly from the source or following at least one step to atleast partially purify DNA or RNA from the sample obtained directly fromthe source. Preferably, the sample comprises genomic DNA. The sample canbe prepared in any convenient medium which does not interfere with themethods of the invention. Typically, the sample is an aqueous solutionor biological fluid as described in more detail below. The sample can bederived from any source, such as a physiological fluid, including blood,serum, plasma, saliva, sputum, ocular lens fluid, sweat, faeces urine,milk, ascites fluid, mucous, synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid,transdermal exudates, pharyngeal exudates, bronchoalveolar lavage,tracheal aspirations, cerebrospinal fluid, semen, cervical mucus,vaginal or urethral secretions, buccal swab, amniotic fluid, and thelike. Herein, fluid homogenates of cellular tissues such as, forexample, hair, skin and nail scrapings, meat extracts are alsoconsidered biological fluids. An important use of the invention is thatit enables one skilled in the art to select rare alleles and haplotypesprior to expansion. Since these may be demonstrated by embryo biopsy itis possible to expand a very rare genotype. Thus, in a furtherembodiment the sample may be a biopsy from an embryo (preferably at theblastocyst stage), an egg or individual semen. Pretreatment may involvepreparing plasma from blood, diluting viscous fluids, and the like.Methods of treatment can involve filtration, distillation, separation,concentration, inactivation of interfering components, and the additionof reagents. The selection and pretreatment of biological samples priorto testing is well known in the art and need not be described further.

As used herein, the term “gene” is to be taken in its broadest contextand includes the deoxyribonucleotide sequences comprising the proteincoding region of a structural gene and including sequences locatedadjacent to the coding region on both the 5′ and 3′ ends for a distanceof about 1 kb on either end such that the gene corresponds to the lengthof the full-length mRNA. Regions further distances (than about 1 kb)from the coding region may also comprise part of a gene if they directlyinfluence transcription. The sequences which are located 5′ of thecoding region and which are present on the mRNA are referred to as 5′non-translated sequences. The sequences which are located 3′ ordownstream of the coding region and which are present on the mRNA arereferred to as 3′ non-translated sequences. A genomic form or clone of agene contains the coding region which is interrupted with non-codingsequences termed “introns” or “intervening regions” or “interveningsequences”. Introns are segments of a gene which are transcribed intonuclear RNA (nRNA); introns may contain regulatory elements such asenhancers. Introns are removed or “spliced out” from the nuclear orprimary transcript; introns therefore are absent in the messenger RNA(mRNA) transcript. The mRNA functions during translation to specify thesequence or order of amino acids in a nascent polypeptide.

The term “livestock animal” refers to any breed or population of animalkept by humans for a useful, commercial purpose. As used herein, alivestock animal can be mammal or avian. Generally, the livestock animalis an agricultural mammal, for example, bovine, equine, ovine, porcine.Livestock animals raised for the production of meat find use with thepresent invention, for example, beef cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, bison,chickens, turkeys, etc. The livestock animals can be in all stages ofdevelopment, including embryonic, fetal, neonate, yearling, juvenile andadult stages.

The term “bovine”, “cow”, “cattle” or variations thereof refer to adomesticated (purebred or crossbreeds) or wild mammal that is a Bovinae,for example, of the genera Bos (e g , cattle or oxen) or Bison (e.g.American buffalo). Exemplary mammals of the genus Bos include withoutlimitation Bos taurus, Bos bovis, Bos frontalis (gayal), Bos gaurus(gaur), Bos grunniens (domestic yak), Bos grunniens×Bos taurus (dzo),Bos indicus (zebu cattle), Bos indicus gudali (Gudali zebu), Bosindicus×Bos taurus (hybrid cattle), Bos javanicus (banteng), Bosprimigenius (aurochs), and Bos sauveli (kouprey). Bos species for theproduction of meat products, for example beef cattle, which are ofparticular relevance to the invention include, but not necessarilylimited to, Black Angus, Red Angus, Horned Hereford, Polled Hereford,Murray Gray, Charolais, Simmental, Limousine, Chianina, Brahman, SantaGertrudis, Texas Longhorn and Wagyu. Exemplary dairy cattle breeds ofBos include without limitation Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Canadiennem, DutchBelted, Guernsey, Holstein (Holstein-Friesian), Jersey, Kerry, MilkingDevon, Milking Shorthorn and Norwegian Red.

Polymorphisms and Haplotypes

The present inventors have shown that alleles of the M-RIP, NT5M and/orTCAP genes, particularly combinations thereof which may also includealleles of the SREBP1 and/or GH genes, represent ancestral haplotypeswhich can be used for selecting and/or genotyping animals.

As used herein, the term “M-RIP” refers to the Myosin Phosphatase-Rhointeracting protein encoding gene, the term “SREBP-1” refers to theSterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein-1 encoding gene (an example ofthe cow SREBP-1 gene is described in US 2008/0010696), the term “GH”refers to the Growth Hormone encoding gene (an example of the cow GHgene is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,231), the term “NT5M” refers tothe 5′, 3′-Nucleotidase, Mitochondrial encoding gene, and the term“TCAP” refers to the titin-cap (telethonin) encoding gene. The locationof these genes in the cow genome on chromosome 19 is shown in FIGS. 1and 2.

As outlined in FIG. 1, in cattle there are at least two informativealleles of the SREBP-1 gene (designated S and L), at least threeinformative alleles of the NT5M gene (designated 10, 20 and 22), atleast four informative alleles of the M-RIP gene (designated 10, 30, 40and 60), at least two informative alleles of the TCAP gene (designated10 and 20), and at least four informative alleles of the GH gene(designated A, B, C and D). Of all possible combinations of thesealleles, 41 have been identified thus far in cattle with varying degreesof representation between different breeds.

When referring to the specific haplotypes, when all 5 genes are analysedthe same order is used (SREBP1-NT5M-MRIP-TCAP-GH) as the genes exist onthe cow genome. Thus, L-20-30-20-A means the animal has the L allele ofSREBP1, the 20 allele of NT5M, the 30 allele of M-RIP, the 20 allele ofTCAP and the A allele of GH.

As used herein, the L and S designations for SREBP1 correspond to thesame nomenclature used in US 2008/0010696. More specifically, “L” refersto the larger (428-432 bp) fragment, and “S” refers to the smaller(343-346 bp) fragment, following amplification with primers comprisingthe sequence 5′-CCA CAA CGC CAT CGA GAA ACG CTA C-3′ (SEQ ID

NO:7) and 5′-GGC CTT CCC TGA CCA CCC AAC TTA G-3′ (SEQ ID NO:8).

As used herein, the 10, 20 and 22 designations for NT5M correspond tothe 321 bp, 331 bp and 334 bp, respectively, products followingamplification with primers comprising the sequence 5′-GGA AGG CCA GTTACA TGG CA-3′ (SEQ ID NO:3) and 5′-CAC AAC CAA GGC CAA AAT CGC A-3′ (SEQID NO:4).

As used herein, the 10, 30, 40 and 60 designations for M-RIP correspondto the 192.about.193 bp, 201.about.203 bp, 208.about.209 bp,218.about.220 bp, respectively, products following amplification withprimers comprising the sequence 5′-AGG GGT GCT GAG TCT ACA GG-3′ (SEQ IDNO:1) and 5′-CTC CAG GAG GCA GGA GAA G-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2). As used herein,the 10 and 20 designations for TCAP correspond to the smaller(approximately .about.230.about.235 bp) and the larger (about 245 bp),respectively, products following amplification with primers comprisingthe sequence 5′-AGT ACC AGC TGC CCT ACC A-3′ (SEQ ID NO:5) and sequence5′-CTG AGA CAT GGA GCG AGC CA-3′ (SEQ ID NO:6).

As used herein, the A, B and C designations for GH correspond to thesame nomenclature used in U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,231. The D designation isdefined as in the Examples herein. These designation and thecorresponding genotypes are summarized in Table 4, and relate to variouscombinations of polymorphisms in the codons encoding amino acids 127 and172 of the GH protein.

Oligonucleotide Primers

As those skilled in the art would be aware, the sequence of theoligonucleotide primers described herein can be varied to some degreewithout effecting their usefulness for the methods of the invention. A“variant” of an oligonucleotide disclosed herein (also referred toherein as a “primer” or “probe” depending on its use) useful for themethods of the invention includes molecules of varying sizes of, and/orare capable of hybridising to the genome close to that of, the specificoligonucleotide molecules defined herein. For example, variants maycomprise additional nucleotides (such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or more), or lessnucleotides as long as they still hybridise to the target region.Furthermore, a few nucleotides may be substituted without influencingthe ability of the oligonucleotide to hybridise the target region. Inaddition, variants may readily be designed which hybridise close (forexample, but not limited to, within 50 nucleotides or within 100nucleotides) to the region of the genome where the specificoligonucleotides defined herein hybridise. Oligonucleotides can benaturally occurring or synthetic, but are typically prepared bysynthetic means.

The term “primer” as used herein, is meant to encompass any nucleic acidthat is capable of priming the synthesis of a nascent nucleic acid in atemplate-dependent process. Primers may be provided in double-strandedor single-stranded form, although the single-stranded form is preferred.Primers act as a point of initiation of template-directed DNA synthesisunder appropriate conditions (e.g., in the presence of four differentnucleoside triphosphates and as agent for polymerization, such as DNA orRNA polymerase or reverse transcriptase) in an appropriate buffer and ata suitable temperature. Methods of primer design are well-known in theart, based on the design of complementary sequences obtained fromstandard Watson-Crick base-pairing (i.e., binding of adenine to thymineor uracil and binding of guanine to cytosine). A primer need not matchthe exact sequence of a template, but must be sufficiently complementaryto hybridize with the template. Computerized programs, when providedwith suitable information regarding a target region, for selection anddesign of amplification primers are available from commercial and/orpublic sources well known to the skilled artisan. The length of a primermay vary but typically ranges from 15 to 30 nucleotides.

Primers used in the methods of the invention can have one or moremodified nucleotides. Many modified nucleotides (nucleotide analogs) areknown and can be used in oligonucleotides. A nucleotide analog is anucleotide which contains some type of modification to either the base,sugar, or phosphate moieties. Modifications to the base moiety wouldinclude natural and synthetic modifications of A, C, G, and T/U as well.

Chimeric primers can also be used. Chimeric primers are primers havingat least two types of nucleotides, such as both deoxyribonuucleotidesand ribonucleotides, ribonucleotides and modified nucleotides, two ormore types of modified nucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides and two or moredifferent types of modified nucleotides, ribonucleotides and two or moredifferent types of modified nucleotides, or deoxyribonucleotides,ribonucleotides and two or more different types of modified nucleotides.One form of chimeric primer is peptide nucleic acid/nucleic acidprimers. For example, 5′-PNA-DNA-3′ or 5′-PNA-RNA-3′ primers may be usedfor more efficient strand invasion and polymerization invasion. Otherforms of chimeric primers are, for example, 5′-(2′-O-Methyl) RNA-RNA-3′or 5′-(2′-O-Methyl) RNA-DNA-3′.

The term “primer pair” refers to a set of primers including an upstreamprimer that hybridizes with the 3′ end of the complement of the nucleicacid to be amplified and a downstream primer that hybridizes with the 3′end of the sequence to be amplified as different purine or pyrimidinebases. Such modifications are well known in the art.

Primers may be chemically synthesized by methods well known within theart. Chemical synthesis methods allow for the placement of detectablelabels such as fluorescent labels, radioactive labels, etc. to be placedvirtually anywhere within the sequence. Solid phase methods as well asother methods of oligonucleotide or polynucleotide synthesis known toone of ordinary skill may used within the context of the disclosure.

Genetic Screening

Genetic assay methods useful for the invention include, but are notlimited to, sequencing of the DNA at one or more of the relevantpositions; differential hybridisation of an oligonucleotide probedesigned to hybridise at the relevant positions of the desired sequence;denaturing gel electrophoresis following digestion with an appropriaterestriction enzyme, preferably following amplification of the relevantDNA regions; S1 nuclease sequence analysis; non-denaturing gelelectrophoresis, preferably following amplification of the relevant DNAregions; conventional RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism)assays; selective DNA amplification using oligonucleotides which arematched for one sequence and unmatched for a polymorphism thereof orvice versa; or the selective introduction of a restriction site using aPCR (or similar) primer matched for alleles of a polymorphic locus,followed by a restriction digest. As indicated above, the assay may beindirect, i.e. capable of detecting a polymorphism at another positionor gene which is known to be linked to a polymorphism of the interest.The probes and primers may be fragments of DNA isolated from nature ormay be synthetic.

Nucleic acid amplification can be performed using any technique known inthe art such as, but not limited to, polymerase chain reaction (PCR),strand displacement amplification (SDA), nucleic acid sequence basedamplification (NASBA), rolling circle amplification (RCA), T7 polymerasemediated amplification, T3 polymerase mediated amplification and SP6polymerase mediated amplification.

In one method, a primer pair are used which hybridise to one allele butnot another, for instance as described for the GH gene in U.S. Pat. No.7, 157,231. Whether amplified DNA is produced will then indicate whichallele is present.

Another method employs similar primer pairs but, as well as hybridisingto only one of the alleles, they introduce a restriction site which isnot otherwise there in any known allele.

In an alternative method, following amplification the products aresequenced. Preferably the products are sequenced without subcloning suchthat if two different alleles are present in the individual being testedtheir presence can easily be identified. If the products are subcloned asuitable number of subclones would need to be sequenced to ensure thatboth alleles have been analysed.

In order to facilitate subsequent cloning of amplified sequences,primers may have restriction enzyme sites appended to their 5′ ends.Thus, all nucleotides of the oligonucleotide primers are derived fromthe gene sequence of interest or sequences adjacent to that gene exceptthe few nucleotides necessary to form a restriction enzyme site. Suchenzymes and sites are well known in the art. The primers themselves canbe synthesized using techniques which are well known in the art.Generally, the primers can be made using synthesizing machines which arecommercially available.

A non-denaturing gel may be used to detect differing lengths offragments resulting from digestion with an appropriate restrictionenzyme. The DNA is usually amplified before digestion, for example usingthe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and modifications thereof.

PCR techniques that utilize fluorescent dyes may also be used to detectthe genetic locus of interest. These include, but are not limited to,the following five techniques.

i) Fluorescent dyes can be used to detect specific PCR amplified doublestranded DNA product (e.g. ethidium bromide, or SYBR Green I).

ii) The 5′ nuclease (TaqMan) assay can be used which utilizes aspecially constructed primer whose fluorescence is quenched until it isreleased by the nuclease activity of the Taq DNA polymerase duringextension of the PCR product.

iii) Assays based on Molecular Beacon technology can be used which relyon a specially constructed oligonucleotide that when self-hybridizedquenches fluorescence (fluorescent dye and quencher molecule areadjacent). Upon hybridization to a specific amplified PCR product,fluorescence is increased due to separation of the quencher from thefluorescent molecule.

iv) Assays based on Amplifluor (Intergen) technology can be used whichutilize specially prepared primers, where again fluorescence is quencheddue to self-hybridization. In this case, fluorescence is released duringPCR amplification by extension through the primer sequence, whichresults in the separation of fluorescent and quencher molecules.

v) Assays that rely on an increase in fluorescence resonance energytransfer can be used which utilize two specially designed adjacentprimers, which have different fluorochromes on their ends. When theseprimers anneal to a specific PCR amplified product, the twofluorochromes are brought together. The excitation of one fluorochromeresults in an increase in fluorescence of the other fluorochrome. Suchassays may also use a ligase so that the two annealed primers joinedtogether.

In a particularly useful embodiment, two or more amplification reactionsare performed in a single vessel, known in the art as multiplexing. Forinstance, alleles described herein in the SREBP1, NTSM, M-RIP, TCAP andGH genes can be analysed in a single reaction.

The one or more polymorphisms of the SREBP1 gene can be analysed asdescribed in US 2008/0010696. Furthermore, the one or more polymorphismsof the GH gene can be analysed as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,231,however, alternatives such as sequence specific priming (SSP) can beused.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Identification and Analysis of Haplotypes

The cattle genomic region shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was interrogated by anentwinement algorithm which revealed a highly polymorphic locusdesignated M-RIP. When combined with adjacent polymorphisms, SREBP1,NT5M, T-CAP and/or GH ancestral haplotypes were identified.

Primers useful in the methods of the invention for amplifyingpolymorphic regions of the M-RIP, NT5M and TCAP genes, as well as theSREBP1 and GH genes, are listed in Table 1. Depending on the individual,amplification products for the NT5M gene are between about 320 and about340 bp, for the M-RIP gene between about 190 and about 250 bp, and forthe TCAP gene between about 230 and about 250 bp.

TABLE 1 Primers useful for the invention. Gene Primers SREBP1CCA CAA CGC CAT CGA GAA ACG CTA C (SEQ ID NO: 7)GGC CTT CCC TGA CCA CCC AAC TTA G (SEQ ID NO: 8) NT5MGGA AGG CCA GTT ACA TGG CA (SEQ ID NO: 3) CAC AAC CAA GGC CAA AAT CGC A(SEQ ID NO: 4) M-RIP AGG GGT GCT GAG TCT ACA GG (SEQ ID NO: 1)CTC CAG GAG GCA GGA GAA G (SEQ ID NO: 2) TCAP AGT ACC AGC TGC CCT ACC A(SEQ ID NO: 5) CTG AGA CAT GGA GCG AGC CA (SEQ ID NO: 6) GHTCT ATG AGA AGC TGA AGG ACC TGG AGG AA (SEQ ID NO: 9)CGG GGG GTG CCA TCT TCC AG (SEQ ID NO: 10) CGG GGG GTG CCA TCT TCC AC(SEQ ID NO: 11) ATG ACC CTC TGG TAC GTC TCC G (SEQ ID NO: 12)ATG ACC CTC TGG TAC GTC TCC A (SEQ ID NO: 13)

The specific ancestral haplotypes which were identified are listed inTables 2 and 3. These haplotypes have been confirmed by family analysisas shown in FIG. 3.

TABLE 2 Ancestral haplotypes - SREBP1 to TCAP 10.1 L-20-10-10 60.1S-10-60-10 10.2 L-20-10-20 60.2 L-20-60-20 10.3 L-10-10-20 60.3S-10-60-20 10.4 L-10-10-10 60.4 S-20-60-10 30.1 L-22-30-20 40.1L-22-40-20 30.2 L-20-30-20 40.2 L-20-40-20 30.3 L-20-30-10 40.3L-20-40-10 30.1 S-20-30-20 40.4 L-20-40-20 30.5 L-10-30-10 40.5L-10-40-10 30.6 L-10-30-20 40.6 L-10-40-20 30.7 S-20-30-10 40.7S-20-40-10 30.8 L-22-30-10 40.8 L-22-40-10 30.9 S-10-30-20 40.9S-10-40-20

TABLE 3 allele frequirencies (%) of ancestrial haplotypes - SREBP1 toTCAP SREB NT5M M-RIP TCAP GH S L 10 20 22 10 30 40 60 10 20 A B C nJersey 5 96 23 64 14 36 23 23 18 0 100  60*  40*  0* 11 6* Simm 7 93 1188 2 0 43 50 7 22 78 77 23 0 274 Angus 1 99 13 71 16 0 51 42 7 28 72 8714 0 52 Wagyu 26 74 20 69 11 13 44 17 26 59 41 67 20 13  27

With regard to Table 2, the numbers 10.1, 60.1 etc correspond tospecific haplotypes. The L and S designations correspond to the samenomenclature used in US 2008/0010696. The numbers next to L or Scorrespond to specific amplification products from the NT5M gene. Thenext numbers correspond to specific amplification products from theM-RIP gene. The next numbers in the series (for example L-20-10-10)correspond to specific amplification products from the TCAP gene.Finally, when present the next character in the series (for example, A,B, C or D) corresponds to specific amplification products from the GHgene.

SREBP1 marker, bands at 343-346 by and 428-432 by represent short (S)and long (L), respectively. NT5M marker, bands at 321 bp, 331 by and 334by are designated 10, 20 and 22 respectively. M-RIP, bands at 192-193bp, 201-203 bp, 208-209 bp, 210-212 bp, 218-220 bp, 226-227 by and 231are designated 10, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 90 respectively. Whenanalysing genotypes at the GH loci a fourth haplotype was identifiedwhich is not described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,231. This haplotype wasdesignated D (Table 4). Guidance as to the relative size of eachamplification product for the M-RIP gene is provided in FIG. 4.Generally, the lower the number the smaller the amplification product.

TABLE 4 Genotypes of GHex5. Genotype 127 172 A CTG ACG B GTG ACG C GTGATG D CTG ATG

A total of 41 different haplotypes were observed for the 5 genesanalysed (Table 5 and FIG. 5). Table 5 does not include the 6 haplotypesthat occurred only once in the 298 cattle (152

Simmental, 31 Wagyu and 16 Angus) analysed. Two haplotypes are common inaround 20% of the cattle tested. 35 of the haplotypes show differentfrequencies in different breeds. Analysis of SREBP1, NT5M, M-RIP, T-CAPand GH was found to be more informative than SREBP1 and GH alone. Thefrequency of different haplotypes in Simmental cattle is summarized inTable 6.

TABLE 5 Combined frequirencies of observed haplotypes. SREB NT5M M-RIPTCAP GH Freq. % L 20 30 20 A 18.6* L 20 40 20 A 14.7* L 20 30 10 A 9.7 L22 40 20 A 7.4 S 10 60 10 B 7.1 L 20 30 20 B 5.0 L 20 40 10 A 4.1 L 2240 20 C 3.5 L 20 40 20 B 3.3 L 20 10 10 A 2.9 S 10 60 10 A 2.9 L 22 4020 B 2.6 S 20 30 20 A 2.1 L 20 60 20 A 1.6 L 22 40 10 A 1.5 L 20 40 10 A1.5 L 20 40 20 C 1.5 L 22 40 10 B 1.4 L 20 30 10 B 1.2 L 20 10 10 C 1.0L 20 30 10 C 1.0 L 10 30 10 A 0.9 L 20 30 20 C 0.7 L 22 30 20 C 0.7 L 1040 20 B 0.7 S 20 40 10 B 0.7 S 10 60 20 A 0.5 S 10 60 20 B 0.4 S 10 3020 A 0.3 S 20 40 20 B 0.3 L 10 40 10 A 0.3 L 10 40 10 B 0.2 S 20 40 20 A0.2 S 20 30 20 B 0.1 S 22 60 20 A 0.1

TABLE 6 Simmental haplotype frequencies. Haplotype ID SREBP NT5M M-RIPT-CAP GH Frequency 30.2.3 L 20 30 20 A 22.7.8%   30.2.2 L 20 30 20 B7.8% 30.3.3 L 20 30 10 A 6.8% 30.3.2 L 20 30 10 B 1.7% 30.5.3 L 10 30 10A 3.4% 30.6.3 L 10 30 20 A 0.4% 30.9.3 S 10 30 20 A 0.8% 30.4.2 S 20 3020 B 0.4% 40.2.3 L 20 40 20 A 28.2%  40.2.2 L 20 40 20 B 9.1% 40.3.3 L20 40 10 A 7.2% 40.1.3 L 22 40 20 A 0.8% 40.4.2 S 20 40 20 B 1.1% 40.5.3L 10 40 10 A 1.1% 40.5.2 L 10 40 10 B 0.8% 60.2.3 L 20 60 20 A 2.3%60.3.2 S 10 60 20 B 1.3% 60.3.3 S 10 60 20 A 1.9% 60.7.3 S 22 60 20 A0.4%

Example 2 Haplotypes and Production Traits in Wagyu

The Japanese Black cattle breed “Wagyu” is the industry bench mark forhigh marbling (intramuscular fat) and thus taste. Within Wagyuphenotypic traits were assessed on carcasses from the Australian CattleCompany (AACo). Statistical analysis of data obtained from approximately67 Wagyu showed significant, or near significant, correlation signalswith combinations of NT5M to GH alleles in the SREBP-GH region on bovineChromosome 19.

The SREB locus alleles (S/L) were found not to be relevant in thiscontext as Wagyu animals usually have the characteristic S allele andare all high marbling.

The hot dead carcass weight (HDCW) is associated as expected withalleles in the growth hormone locus (GH)—positive for the GH C alleleand negative for the B allele. When additionally looking at TCAP allelesfurther useful information could be obtained from the genetic analysis,with the TCAP 10 and 20 alleles segregating with low carcass weight forthe 20-B haplotype and improved carcass weight for the 10-B fragment(FIG. 6). In contrast the 20-C haplotype shows a 16 Kg carcass weightimprovement in this analysis over the 20-B haplotype.

Of particular interest are the significant correlation signals for EyeMuscle Area (EMA) a key indicator of tenderness and meat quality. Thisis associated with certain alleles at loci extending from NT5M to GH(FIG. 7). In particular, a positive association with EMA was noted withhaplotype (NT5M-MRIP-TCAP-GH) 22-40-20 B/C and to a lesser extent withof 10-30-20 A, 10-40-20-B/C. Negative associations with EMA in thisanalysis noted particularly with haplotypes 20-30-20-A and 20-40-20-A,and to a lesser extend with 22-40-10-B/C.

For MRIP-TCAP-GH haplotypes and Marbling Score, there are multiplecontributions across the haplotype for marbling—positively for 30-10-Band 40-20-A haplotypic fragments and negatively for 40-10-B, 40-10-A and30-10-C (FIG. 8).

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown inthe specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive.

The present application claims priority from AU 2009904511 filed 17 Sep.2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

All publications discussed and/or referenced herein are incorporatedherein in their entirety.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or thelike which has been included in the present specification is solely forthe purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is notto be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form partof the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the fieldrelevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority dateof each claim of this application.

REFERENCES

-   Hoashi et al. (2007) Mammalian Genome 18:880-886.-   Jiang et al. (2008) International Journal of Biological Sciences    4:345-351.-   Rincker et al. (2006) Journal of Animal Science 84:686-693.-   Van Eenennaam et al. (2007) Journal of Animal Science 85:891-900.

1. An oligonucleotide primer for use in amplifying a polymorphic regionof the M-RIP, NT5M and/or TCAP genes of an animal.
 2. Theoligonucleotide primer of claim 1, wherein the primer is selected from:a) an oligonucleotide comprising a sequence selected from:5′-AGG GGT GCT GAG TCT ACA GG-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 1)5′-CTC CAG GAG GCA GGA GAA G-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 2)5′-GGA AGG CCA GTT ACA TGG CA-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 3)5′-CAC AAC CAA GGC CAA AAT CGC A-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 4)5′-AGT ACC AGC TGC CCT ACC A-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 5) and5′-CTG AGA CAT GGA GCG AGC CA-3′, (SEQ ID NO: 6)

b) an oligonucleotide comprising a sequence which is the reversecomplement of any oligonucleotide provided in a), and c) a variant of a)or b) which can be used to amplify the same region of the animal genomeas any one of the oligonucleotides of a) or b).
 3. A compositioncomprising an oligonucleotide of claim 1 and an acceptable carrier.
 4. Akit comprising an oligonucleotide of claim
 1. 5. A method of detectingthe haplotype of a Wagyu cow, comprising: a. obtaining a samplecontaining DNA from a Wagyu cow; and b. detecting whether aNT5M-MRIP-TCAP-GH haplotype selected from the group consisting of22-40-20 B/C, 10-30-20 A and 10-40-20 B/C is present in the DNA bygenotyping the DNA.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the haplotype is22-40-20 B/C.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the haplotype is10-30-20 A.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the haplotype is 10-40-20B/C.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein a genotyping fragment forgenotyping the DNA is between 428 and 432 basepairs long.
 10. The methodof claim 7, wherein a genotyping fragment for genotyping the DNA isbetween 428 and 432 basepairs long or between 343 and 346 basepairslong.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein a genotyping fragment forgenotyping the DNA is between 428 and 432 basepairs long or between 343and 346 basepairs long.
 12. A method of detecting a haplotype of a Wagyucow, comprising: a. obtaining a sample containing DNA from a Wagyu cow;and b. detecting whether a TCAP-GH selected from the group consisting of20-C, 10-C and 10-B is present in the DNA by genotyping the DNA.
 13. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the haplotype is 20-C.
 14. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the haplotype is 10-C.
 15. The method of claim 9,wherein the haplotype is 10-B.
 16. A method of detecting a haplotype ofa Wagyu cow, comprising: a. obtaining a sample containing DNA from aWagyu cow; and b. detecting whether a MRIP-TCAP-GH haplotype selectedfrom the group consisting of 30-10-B and 40-20-A is present in the DNAby genotyping the DNA.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the haplotypeis 30-10-B.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the haplotype is40-20-A.